Throughout history, humans have adorned themselves with beautiful and rare jewelry, attributing deeper meaning and power to the stones they wore. Among these cherished gems are birthstones, popularly associated with the month of one’s birth, and imbued with fascinating lore. This article will explore the gemstone spinel, one of the birthstones for August, detailing its history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance, as understood through available sources.
History and Lore
Spinel’s history is intertwined with that of ruby and sapphire, as it was long mistaken for these more well-known gemstones. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that spinel was definitively recognized as a distinct mineral species. This historical confusion contributed to its relative obscurity for many years, despite its presence in historical collections.
Originally, sardonyx was the sole birthstone for August, but peridot and spinel were later added to the list. The addition of spinel reflects its increasing recognition and appreciation within the gemological community. Spinel has been found in several countries, including Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Myanmar, suggesting a long history of trade and use across different cultures. Ancient civilizations valued spinel for its beauty and believed it possessed spiritual properties, enhancing vitality, promoting positive energy, and bringing a sense of peace and calm to the wearer.
Geological Formation and Sources
Spinel is formed in a variety of geological environments, often alongside other gemstones like ruby and sapphire. Its formation occurs deep within the Earth’s mantle. Sources indicate that spinel can be found in several countries around the world. Notable locations include Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Myanmar. The gem’s presence in these diverse locations points to complex geological processes and historical trade routes.
Gemological Properties
Spinel is highly valued for its brilliance and durability. On the Mohs scale of hardness, spinel scores between 7.5 and 8 out of 10, making it a relatively durable gemstone suitable for a variety of jewelry applications. This hardness makes it resistant to scratching and wear, ensuring its longevity.
One of spinel’s most remarkable characteristics is its wide range of colors. It comes in almost every color imaginable, including red, pink, blue, purple, and black. The most prized spinels exhibit a bright red or pink hue, closely resembling that of ruby. These red and pink spinels were often mistaken for ruby in the past, contributing to the historical confusion between the two gems.
Here's a table summarizing key gemological properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7.5 - 8 |
| Color | Almost Every Color |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Transparency | Transparent to Opaque |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, spinel has been attributed with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. It is believed to enhance vitality, promote positive energy, and bring a sense of peace and calm to the wearer. These beliefs stem from ancient traditions and a perceived connection between the gemstone and spiritual well-being. The gem’s vibrant colors may also contribute to its association with positive emotions and energy.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its relatively high hardness, spinel is a durable gemstone that can withstand normal wear. However, like all gemstones, it requires proper care to maintain its brilliance and beauty. It is recommended to clean spinel jewelry regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone. It is also advisable to store spinel jewelry separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching.
Other August Birthstones
While spinel is a prominent birthstone for August, it shares this designation with peridot and sardonyx. Peridot, a stunning gemstone known for its bright green color, is a variety of olivine mineral formed deep within the Earth’s mantle. It ranks 6.5-7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale. Historically, peridot was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from nightmares, symbolizing strength, courage, and abundance. Some historians even suggest that Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone, often referred to as emerald, may have actually been peridot.
Sardonyx, another August birthstone, is a unique chalcedony gemstone composed of bands of red-brown sard and white onyx. It was originally the sole birthstone for August before peridot and spinel were added. In ancient times, sardonyx was believed to bring courage, strength, and protection, and was used for wax seals and as a talisman against negative energy. It has a hardness of 6.5 out of 10 on the Mohs scale.
Other Monthly Birthstones and Their Significance
Beyond August, other months are associated with specific birthstones, each possessing unique characteristics and lore. January is represented by garnet, a gemstone symbolizing protection and vitality. February features amethyst, a purple quartz believed to promote peace and courage, and jasper, known as the “nurturing stone.” March boasts aquamarine, associated with tranquility and clarity, and bloodstone, believed to possess healing properties. April is celebrated with diamond, a symbol of enduring love and strength. May is represented by emerald, a vibrant green gemstone associated with rebirth and prosperity. June features pearl, unique for forming within living creatures, and alexandrite, a color-changing gemstone. July is marked by ruby, symbolizing passion and courage, and onyx, offering protection and grounding. September showcases sapphire, representing wisdom and loyalty, and September also has moonstone. October is associated with opal, known for its play of color, and tourmaline, offering a spectrum of hues. November features topaz, symbolizing strength and intellect, and citrine, promoting abundance and positivity. Finally, December is represented by tanzanite, a rare blue-violet gemstone, zircon, and turquoise, a protective and healing stone.
The Evolution of Birthstone Lists
The association of specific gemstones with particular months has evolved over time. The actual gemstones representing each month have changed throughout the years and vary from region to region. In the United States, the (American) National Association of Jewelers officially adopted a list of birthstones in 1912. This list was updated by the Jewelry Industry Council of America in 1952. More recently, the American Gem Trade Association added tanzanite as a December birthstone in 2002 and spinel as an additional birthstone for August in 2016. These changes reflect ongoing research, evolving preferences, and the discovery of new and exciting gemstones.
Conclusion
Spinel is a vibrant and historically significant gemstone that deserves recognition for its beauty, durability, and unique properties. Once mistaken for ruby and sapphire, spinel has emerged as a gemstone in its own right, celebrated for its wide range of colors and metaphysical attributes. As one of the birthstones for August, spinel offers a meaningful and beautiful connection to the month of one’s birth, embodying vitality, positive energy, and a sense of calm. Its increasing popularity and recognition within the gemological community ensure that spinel will continue to be cherished for generations to come.